Sample Coordinator/ Product Management Data Assistant en KAGOME

Description

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics.  

Job Purpose and Summary

The position is responsible for managing trial seed samples; seed samples inventory; and seed sample request, preparation, shipment, and tracking. It also manages the sample database which includes the  seed sample inventory, distribution and follow up. 

This position also assists with the clerical support, data entry, and other general administrative activities of the Product Management function at United Genetics. It follows up on a day-to-day basis with requests for data entry support from Product Management; especially on activities related to Product Advancement, Product Life Cycle Management and Business to Business. 

Duties and responsibilities

Sample Fulfillment (40%)

• Support commercial, pre-commercial and research sample requests to include preparation, administration, and distribution to domestic and international customers.
• Receive and organize samples from warehouse and breeders.
• Submit sample orders to the warehouse and follow them until their timely fulfillment.
• Generate pro-forma invoices and shipping documentation for domestic and international shipments, including but not limited to packing information, phytosanitary certificates, field walks, lab tests, non-GMO declarations, invoice/packing lists, others.
• Process Phytosanitary certificates with USDA.
• Collaborate with breeders, warehouse, and QA personnel to process sample requests.
• Support development of SOPs for QA testing of pre-commercial and research seed.
• Coordinate with FedEx/ DHL or similar carriers for actual shipment.
• Follow proper seed sampling procedures.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries and provide follow-up on shipped orders. 

Product Advancement and Life Cycle Management Data Entry Support (25%)

• Prepares data results from the Product Advancement meetings (PAC) for computer entry by compiling and sorting the information, establishing entry priorities. Data entry includes Product Life Cycle changes (PLCs), compiling and entering parental line information for PCM seed production, preparing and updating worldwide and regional product ranges, and others.
• Maintains PAC and general product life cycle data entry requirements by following data program techniques and procedures.
• Verifies entered quality & assurance information by reviewing, correcting, deleting, or reentering data.
• Secures information by completing database backups.

Field Day Organization (15%)

• Support U.S.-based field days by gathering variety information from breeders and the sales team (including comparison "check" varieties), coordinating the shipment of seed samples, and coordinating the event logistics and hosting (this position is considered the lead coordinator of these events). These field days aim to benefit B2B, UG customers in general and UG own sales force.

BtoB Data Entry Support (10%)

• Provide data entry support for the country- and region-specific pricing database for B2B products.
• Provide data entry support to track UG genetics penetration (UG-branded and B2B) by country/region to avoid market saturation and identify growth opportunities.
• Provide data entry support for the outsourcing function including updating the outsource database, recording trial results and following up with external genetic sources.

Sample Database and Tracking Management / Others (10% )

• Manage sample distribution database and track sample shipments.
• Follow-up variety trial results from samples sent to customers.
• Support the drafting of Tech Sheets on the strategic (priority) products and P5 advancements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Position Dimensions and Qualifications

Internal Contacts: Marketing Lead, Product Manager, CEO, Sales Managers, Global Supple Chain Lead, Plant Manager, warehouse personnel, Customer Service Representatives and Supply Chain Personnel.

External Contacts: Third party laboratory, government institutions, forwarding agents, freight / shipping companies, BtoB and customers in general.

Educational Level and Focus: AA Degree or Vocational Degree with an emphasis on business administration, agribusiness or similar. BS degree and/or two years of customer service, data entry or international shipping & receiving experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities:      

Interpersonal and Communication: 

Excellent written and verbal skills in formal and informal settings. Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and always maintaining them. Individual should be able to conduct him/herself professionally, have a high level of integrity and be able to demonstrate a sense of urgency. Good communication skills through phone/e-mail and in person, being able to interact with people from different cultural and functional backgrounds. The ability to speak Spanish would be preferred.

Technical and Analytical: Ability to convert weights and use basic math. General knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with ERP / Inventory Software is highly desirable. 

Administrative and Operations: Excellent time management skills. Must be self-motivated and able to prioritize tasks. Exercise good judgment in problem solving situations. Ability to manage time effectively to meet or exceed deadlines. Must pay attention to detail, be well organized and able to manage several projects at the same time. Perform duties with minimal supervision. 

Physical Demands: Must be able to work extended hours on occasion. Sitting at a computer terminal, standing, and using the telephone and computer for long periods of time. Must be able to walk, stand, bend, or squat repeatedly. Able to lift up to 30 lbs. 

Work Environment: Should be able to work in both an office environment as well as in a warehouse with moderate noise levels and interruptions. Will occasionally support activities in research extensions, laboratory environments, and on-farm settings.

Special Equipment Used: Specialized Computer-based software, PC, 10-key calculator, digital balance, fax, and telephones.

Benefits Summary:

We are proud to offer a well-rounded benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and personal well-being of our employees. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Vester and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 401K with company matching, Life insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid holidays.